A red rose in full bloom, a surging Thoroughbred and jockey, and the Twin Spires are displayed on the official logo for the 131st running of the Kentucky Derby, which was unveiled Tuesday at Churchill Downs.The logo, which was created for the third consecutive year by the Churchill Downs Inc. graphics team, will serve as the official symbol for the 131st "Run for the Roses" on May 7, 2005. The Derby 131 logo will be featured on tickets, officially licensed merchandise and other premium items created for the 2005 renewal of America's oldest continuously held sporting event. The 2005 renewal of the Derby will also be the first in the completely renovated Churchill Downs. The track's $121 million renovation project is scheduled for completion in early April.The central image of the logo is a rose with red petals trimmed in black and surrounded by green leaves. The rose, a traditional symbol of the Kentucky Derby since the 1890s, offers a sharp contrast to the stylized silhouette of a Thoroughbred and jockey rushing toward the finish line that serves as its backdrop. The logo features the Twin Spires above the rose and the horse and rider, and is completed by the words "Kentucky Derby 131" located on each side of the central image and atop the event's date and location.
"The logo for the 131st running of the Kentucky Derby is especially fitting for our first Derby in the renovated Churchill Downs as it is a wonderful mix of traditional and modern images, much like the track itself," said Tyrone Tubbs, vice president of sales for Churchill Downs Inc. "The logo contains elements of the strongest and most enduring Derby traditions and will serve as a suitable focal point for our exciting new line of officially licensed merchandise and premium items for this very special Kentucky Derby."